Despite the rise of instant messaging apps, phone numbers are still a handy way to keep in touch with friends and family, but can be hard to keep track of – especially if you’re new to the Australian telco market. In this Canstar Blue article, we’ll detail everything you need to know about Australian phone numbers, as well as how to keep your old number or choose your own. In addition, you’ll find a list of Australian emergency contacts that are handy to have in your phonebook.
Types of Australian phone numbers
In Australia, there are a number of phone numbers ‘types’ that you should be aware of, as they may look different when written down, or have different costs associated (which is always good to be aware of). The types of phone numbers used in Australia include:
- Landline numbers
- Mobile numbers
- Organisational numbers
Australian landline numbers
While not as common as they once were, landline phones – also known as ‘home phones’ – are generally connected to many homes and businesses, meaning there are still plenty of people who use them. Up until the 1960s, Australian phone numbers contained six digits, while phone numbers nowadays contain up to 10 digits due to population and network growth. The first two digits in an Australian phone number indicate the region where the call is to be placed, with Australia broken down into geographical areas. There are four major areas across Australia, including:
- Central East region numbers (including areas such as Sydney and Canberra) start with ’02’
- South-east region numbers (including areas such as Melbourne and Hobart) start with ’03’
- North-east region numbers (including areas such as Brisbane, Gold Coast and Townsville) start with ’07’
- Central and West region numbers (including areas such as Perth, Adelaide and Darwin) start with 08
This means that if you’re looking to make a call to someone who lives in a different region of Australia, you’ll have to put in the area code first before putting in their phone number. As a result, some phone numbers may look like this:
- (02) xxxx xxxx
If you’re looking to call someone who lives in the same region as you, you won’t have to enter the area digits before you make the phone call – you simply enter the last eight numbers.
How to get an Australian landline number
To get an Australian landline number, you’ll have to organise with a telecommunications business to come out and install and/or connect the necessary wiring to connect you to the relevant network. Once you’ve purchased a telecommunications plan with the provider, and have the necessary equipment connected or installed, they’ll give you your landline number. It’s also worthwhile considering that most home phone lines are being replaced by the NBN, and may not be as readily available as they once were.
Australian mobile numbers
Most of us now use mobile phones instead of landlines as a way to keep in contact with others. All Australian mobile phone numbers begin with the digits ’04’, regardless of the location, telco provider, or network, followed by individual numbers, meaning Australian mobile phone numbers will look like this:
- 04xx xxx xxx
How do I call an Australian mobile number?
If you want to call an Australian mobile number, you’ll have to enter the International Access Code – which for Australia is 61 – and will often be shown as +61 followed by the phone number you wish to call. It most cases, the ‘0’ will be replaced by the International Access Code, meaning Australian mobile numbers will look something like this:
- +614 xxx xxx xxx
Read more: Best-Rated Mobile Phone Providers
Australian organisational numbers
If you wish to call a business or organisation, you may notice their phone numbers are a bit different. Most commonly beginning with either 13, 1300 or 1800, companies use these as they are nationwide numbers, meaning if a business moves into a different region, they don’t have to worry about changing their number. The main difference between a 1300 and 1800 number is the cost, as 1300 are referred to as Local Rate Numbers, meaning it will cost you to call 1300 numbers, while 1800 numbers are Toll Free Numbers, meaning they are free to call.
How to get an Australian phone number
In Australia, when you sign up to a telco provider, you’ll be given a phone number with a phone and/or SIM card purchase. But what happens when you upgrade your phone to the latest model, or even switch telco providers? In Australia, swapping your phone doesn’t mean you have to swap numbers as well, meaning your friends and family can stay in contact with you no matter how many times you switch.
Thinking of getting a new phone plan?
Here is a selection of postpaid plans from Canstar Blue’s database with a minimum of 10GB of data, listed in order of standard cost, lowest to highest, then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Try using our mobile phone plan comparison tool to see a wide range of plans from other providers. This table includes products with links to referral partners.
Here is a selection of prepaid plans from Canstar Blue’s database with a minimum of 10GB of data each month, listed in order of standard cost, lowest to highest, then by data allowance, largest to smallest. If you want to compare a larger range of offers from other providers, use our phone plan comparison tool. This table includes products with links to referral partners.
How do I keep my old phone number?
If you’re looking at making the switch to another SIM-Only plan, you can keep your old phone number through a process known as ‘porting’. You can only port your phone number once you’ve signed up to a new provider or deal, with your new provider giving you the option to keep your phone number when you’re activating your SIM card. The benefit of this is that you don’t have to memorise a new number every time you switch providers!
Can I choose my own phone number?
If you’re after something a bit more personalised, you can also ask your provider for a phone number that is easier to remember, or something that you just prefer. The big providers, such as Telstra, Optus, Vodafone and Amaysim, all offer the option for customers to choose their phone number, but it will cost you extra, and there’s also the risk that someone else already has the phone number you want! Simply contact them to find out if the phone number you want is available.
Read more: How to choose your own mobile number
Australian phone numbers you should know
While most phone numbers will easily be found online, if you’re visiting or travelling Australia, it wouldn’t hurt to have these numbers close by, or stored in your mobile phone, in case of emergency, or to just make things easier.
Australian emergency services phone number
If you’re in an emergency, or are in need of help, the phone number for the Australian emergency services is 000. This is for ambulance, police, as well as the fire department, and will connect you to an operator who will direct your call to the relevant services. Be sure to provide as much information as possible to the operator, as it will ensure you receive the help you need.
Australian SES (State Emergency Services) phone number
Each Australian state has its own SES unit, which is usually called in the event of natural disasters, such as bushfires and flooding. You can reach your local SES unit by calling 13 25 00, which will connect you to an operator who will pass you onto the local SES branch.
Australian Poison Information Centre phone number
With Australia home to plenty of dangerous animals, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared in case you come across one. The Poison Information Centre will be able to provide advice for anyone who has been bitten, stung, or come into contact with the Australian wildlife, and can be reached on 13 11 26.
Australian Kids Helpline phone number
A private and confidential counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25, Kids Helpline is a handy number to have for those who are having problems at home, or are struggling with changes or simply need to talk to someone. Kids Helpline can be reached on 1800 551 800.
Other Australian phone numbers you should have
In addition to your friends and family, the below numbers may also be handy to have saved in your phone:
- Your telco provider – mobile phone and internet coverage isn’t always perfect, or you may have a problem with your device, so it could be worthwhile knowing who to call to fix any issues.
- Your doctor – getting sick is never fun, especially if you don’t know who to contact. Having your doctor’s practice – or even the number for a house call doctor – may help you get better sooner.
- Emergency contacts – in certain cases, you may be required to provide an emergency contact, such as for a safety waiver in case you get hurt or sick, so it’s best to have the numbers of loved ones saved in your phone. This will generally be your friends or family, or may be someone you live with, or your next-door neighbour.
There are plenty of options and things to consider when it comes to the Australian telco market, so if you’re looking to purchase a new phone, SIM Card or phone plan, look at all your options before you sign up. Compare your options with the button below to see what’s available.
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